PairPi

Picture Books Literary Agents

193 agents · 110 currently open to submissions

Picture books are a specialist category. They look small from the outside, but agents know how precise they are: page turns, rhythm, visual potential, age fit, humour, tenderness, and a text that leaves room for the illustrator to do real storytelling. A picture book submission has to prove it understands the form, not just the audience.

A word on the search. Some agents say picture books, some say illustrated books, and some only list children's broadly. This page narrows to agents with picture book or illustration signals. Use the broad search toggle on the main directory if you want the broader children's list before deciding who genuinely handles picture books.

Every listing on PairPi is verified against the agent's own website, with the date we last checked. If you are an author-only picture book writer, check each agency's guidelines carefully: some want illustrator-authors, some are open to text-only submissions, and some separate the two.

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Represents

Graphic novels, picture books, illustrated books, general fiction, authors, illustrators, content creators

Wants: Query letter, first five pages, portfolio link

Looking for

Kate represents authors and illustrators for graphic novels and picture books. KO Media welcomes all ages, including children's, middle grade, young adult, and adult, as long as there is a visual or illustrated component.

How to submit

Email query@komediamanagement.com with the subject line Query for Kate Rogers: Title. Paste query and samples only, attachments are not opened. Authors should paste the first five pages, picture book authors should paste the full text, and illustrators or content creators should include a portfolio link.

Last checked 29 Sept 2026Via Email
Represents

Children's (mg or ya or crossover), adult commercial fiction, narrative non-fiction

Looking for

Genre fiction and crossover children's, boy-led MG, teen fiction, graphic novel/illustrated MG or younger YA, quirky fantasy, dark/off-beat romantic comedy, domestic noir, cultural history/narrative non-fiction with strong voice

How to submit

Email submissions@nurnberg.co.uk with a cover letter in the body of the email, a one-page synopsis and first three chapters or up to 50 pages as attachments. Mark the subject line FAO Gyamfia Osei. For non-fiction, send an overview, chapter outlines, and three sample chapters.

Last checked 29 Sept 2026Via Email
Represents

Romance, women's fiction, young adult, middle grade, picture books, thrillers, mysteries, nonfiction

Wants: Querymanager form

Looking for

Cori Deyoe is actively looking to expand her list. She represents all subgenres of romance, women's fiction, young adult, middle grade, picture books, thrillers, mysteries, and select nonfiction.

How to submit

Submit through Cori Deyoe's official QueryManager link. 3 Seas does not accept email queries, asks writers to use the QueryManager links on agent pages or the submissions page, and says no response within 12 weeks should be considered a pass.

Last checked 28 Sept 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Picture books, middle grade, young adult, adult romance, science fiction, fantasy, children's fiction, children's nonfiction

Wants: Query letter, first ten pages, author website

Looking for

Sara Megibow is President and Senior Literary Agent of Megibow Literary Agency. She represents authors who write picture books, fiction and nonfiction across subgenres, middle grade in all subgenres, young adult in all subgenres, adult romance in all subgenres, and science fiction/fantasy for the adult market in all subgenres.

How to submit

Email a query letter and the first 10 pages of the manuscript to saraquery@megibowliterary.com, along with an author website if available. Megibow Literary does not accept pitches by social media, phone, mail, or platforms other than email, and a pass from one agency agent is a pass from the agency.

Last checked 28 Sept 2026Via Email
Represents

Middle grade, young adult, graphic novels, picture books, fantasy, horror, women's fiction, science fiction, pop culture, humor, nonfiction

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, first twenty pages or proposal, artwork or portfolio link

Looking for

Emily S. Keyes is actively searching for children's literature and select adult genre fiction that is not serious literature. She is generally looking for books for young readers and the young at heart, especially work that fosters the joy of reading in kids. In nonfiction she is looking for nonfiction picture books, interesting nonfiction for middle grade and YA readers, especially from creators with a platform, and select adult nonfiction.

How to submit

Submit through Emily Keyes' official linked QueryManager page. The form asks for author information, title, word count, genre, query letter, optional synopsis, target audience, comparable books, AI-use disclosure, first 20 pages or full nonfiction proposal, and optional artwork, illustrations, or portfolio link.

Last checked 27 Sept 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Children's books (and illustrated concepts)

Looking for

Engaging, original illustrated stories and concepts across genres, children's editorial and illustration focus

How to submit

Email your submission to submission@bell-lomax.co.uk. For fiction, children's fiction, YA, and narrative non-fiction send a short synopsis (including full plot details), the first three chapters (no more than 50 pages, double spaced), and a covering letter with details of any previously published work, all as Word documents or PDFs. For picture books, send the full text of up to three manuscripts in one email, sample illustrations (if available) as PDF, PNG, or JPG, and a covering letter. Do not use WeTransfer or Google Drive links.

Last checked 27 Sept 2026Via Email
Represents

Writers, presenters and journalists (books and related rights)

Wants: Background/career info and synopsis and first 3 chapters (~50 pages). not poetry, plays, original screenplays, scripts, or children's picture books.

Looking for

Books and related rights for writers, presenters and journalists, including TV and radio representation. Does not represent poetry, plays, original screenplays, scripts, or picture books for children.

How to submit

Email submissions@barbaralevyagency.com (or post to Barbara Levy Literary Agency, 64 Greenhill, Hampstead High Street, London NW3 5TZ) with background information and career history, a synopsis, and the first three chapters (approximately 50 pages), double spaced with numbered pages. For TV and radio representation, send details of your experience or expertise. Note if submitting simultaneously to other agents. Include an email address or stamped addressed envelope if you want material returned.

Last checked 26 Sept 2026Via Email
Represents

Picture books, author-illustrators, nonfiction picture books, middle grade, young adult, contemporary fiction, light fantasy, near-future dystopian, speculative fiction, psychological thriller, mystery, literary ghost stories, women's fiction, memoir, bipoc voices, diverse voices

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, first ten pages, picture book manuscript, portfolio

Looking for

Allison is looking for author-illustrator picture books, nonfiction picture books, middle grade with voice and a strong main character, YA contemporary coming-of-age, fantasy grounded in reality, near-future dystopian and high-concept speculative work, psychological thrillers, twisty mysteries, literary ghost stories, women's fiction, and memoir. She is interested in diverse and BIPOC voices.

How to submit

Email Allison Remcheck at the spelled-out SLS submissions address listed on the Stimola submissions page. Picture book manuscripts should be attached as Word documents, dummies or portfolios as PDFs, first ten pages of middle-grade, YA, and adult fiction should be pasted in the email, a synopsis attachment is welcome.

Last checked 26 Sept 2026Via Email
Represents

Children's books, adult contemporary fiction, upmarket fiction, speculative fiction, light fantasy, magical realism, romantic comedy, thriller, mystery, suspense, horror, picture books, chapter books, middle grade, young adult

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, full manuscript, full proposal, artwork samples

Looking for

Savannah Brooks is an associate literary agent whose official personal site says she joined KT Literary in 2022 and represents all of kid lit plus adult contemporary and upmarket fiction, speculative/light fantasy/magical realism, romcoms, thrillers, mystery, suspense, and horror. She is especially interested in stories that teach her something new, add to a larger sociopolitical conversation, and highlight underrepresented identities and cultures.

How to submit

Submit through Savannah Brooks's QueryManager route. The live form asks writers to check her website before submitting, confirm whether the project has been submitted to her before, and include author details, title, word count, genre, query letter, synopsis, and full manuscript or nonfiction proposal, artwork samples may be uploaded if applicable. The form says she is only open to children's books by request or referral, so public unsolicited submissions should match the currently open adult categories.

Last checked 26 Sept 2026Via Online Form
Represents

Adult nonfiction, adult fiction, children's literature, picture books, middle grade, young adult, graphic novels

Looking for

Cooking, drinks, health/wellness, lifestyle, self-help, women's issues, memoir, cat content, underrepresented voices. Occasional adult fiction for existing clients or via referrals. Select children's literature in special circumstances.

How to submit

Submit queries here: http:// queryManager.com or JenNewens

Last checked 24 Sept 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Picture books, middle grade, young adult, fantasy, mystery, romantasy, horror, humor, narrative nonfiction, nature and ecology, pop culture, women's issues

Wants: Query letter, synopsis, first three chapters or proposal

Looking for

Emelie Burl represents books for all ages and across many genres. She is drawn to cozy projects across fiction and nonfiction, found family, magic, nature, self-acceptance, folklore, diversity, queer joy, female rage, immersive storytelling, hopeful stories with edge, grounded fantasy, unusual or offbeat characters, journalistic deep dives with personal narrative, humor, and children's books that meet kids where they are.

How to submit

Submit to Emelie Burl through her official linked QueryManager form only. Direct email queries will be deleted unread. The form asks for author information, query letter, synopsis, AI-use disclosure, and the first three chapters or, for nonfiction, the full book proposal.

Last checked 24 Sept 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Picture books, chapter books, middle grade, young adult, adult fiction, nonfiction, romance, speculative fiction

Wants: Query letter, bio, manuscript or proposal, portfolio link

Looking for

Abigail Frank wants weird, expansive books for young readers, including original picture books, chapter books with big personalities, and novels about unforgettable teens falling in love. She is especially interested in author-illustrators, lyrical and inventive picture book texts, distinct visual art, stories by marginalized creators, and select adult projects including visual nonfiction, gift nonfiction, genre-defying nonfiction, lightly speculative fiction, commercial rom-coms, and work about labor and capital.

How to submit

Query Abigail Frank at afrank@sjga.com with the subject line QUERY - project title. Include a brief bio in the cover letter and attach the manuscript or proposal. Visual artists should include a portfolio link. Greenburger accepts email queries only and asks writers not to query more than one Greenburger agent simultaneously.

Last checked 24 Sept 2026Via Email
Represents

Middle grade, ya, crossover, new adult, picture book, adventure, mystery, horror

Wants: Cover letter, synopsis, first 3 chapters or 20 pages

Looking for

Kat is actively building her own list from middle grade through YA, crossover and New Adult, with a character-led taste and interest in adventure, mystery, darker YA and select picture book authors.

How to submit

Email Kat directly at kat@darleyanderson.com. For novels, send the first three chapters or first twenty pages plus a one-page synopsis. Picture book writers may send up to three full texts.

Last checked 23 Sept 2026Via Email
Represents

Poetry, picture books, young fiction, middle grade fiction, ya fiction, children's non-fiction, author-illustrators

Wants: Children's fiction/non-fiction; picture books; first 3 chapters for fiction

Looking for

Poetry, picture books, young fiction, middle grade fiction, YA fiction and non-fiction for children, and author-illustrators who both write and illustrate their own work as well as illustrate for other authors

How to submit

Send a short synopsis, first 3 chapters for fiction (excluding prologues), or full manuscript for picture books, plus a covering letter with full contact details including email address. Submit electronically to john.mclay@btinternet.com or by post, if posting include a stamped self-addressed envelope.

Last checked 23 Sept 2026Via Email
Represents

Literary fiction, upmarket fiction, romantic comedy, memoir, psychology, narrative nonfiction, literary studies, art history, popular science, philosophy, cultural studies

Wants: Query letter, first five pages, picture book manuscript, referral note if applicable

Looking for

Alex Reubert is a literary agent at HG Literary. He is pursuing books that demand he keep reading by style or story, including literature in translation, novels set outside the U.S., upmarket and literary fiction, narrators looking back on their lives, upmarket romantic comedy, memoir, psychology, narrative nonfiction, literary studies, art history, popular science, philosophy, cultural studies, and prose by poets or musicians.

How to submit

Submit to Alex Reubert through his official QueryManager link. HG Literary asks for electronic submissions only. Unless an agent-specific form asks otherwise, send a query letter and the first five pages in the body of the query, no attachments. If it is a picture book, include the entire manuscript. Mention referrals in the first line. Query only one HG Literary agent at a time.

Last checked 22 Sept 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Picture books, novelty, pre-school, middle grade, narrative non-fiction, general non-fiction, gift, comics, graphic novels, activity books

Looking for

Exceptional children's book creators, with a particular interest in inventive approaches to familiar themes, passion projects from diverse and exceptional new talents, and innovative formats that push the boundaries of children's publishing. Books that spark curiosity and wonder, especially visually extraordinary objects that reward repeated reading.

How to submit

Review David Higham's submission guidelines before submitting. Send your work by email to isobelsubmissions@davidhigham.co.uk. If you do not receive a response within twelve weeks, the agent will not be pursuing your work.

Last checked 21 Sept 2026Via Email
Represents

Illustrators, children's illustration, educational publishing, religious publishing

Wants: Pdf portfolio, website link, art samples

Looking for

Children's education and religion illustration projects, with a focus on pairing artists with children's publishing clients.

How to submit

Use the official Bright submissions form. Illustrators should upload a PDF portfolio with at least 10 samples and a website or social media link. Author-illustrators should follow the relevant picture book or Middle Grade instructions and include art samples.

Last checked 21 Sept 2026Via Online Form
Represents

Illustrators, author-illustrators, children's illustration, picture books

Wants: Pdf portfolio, website link, art samples

Looking for

Trade children's book illustrators and author-illustrators, with a focus on visual storytelling, portfolio development, and author-illustrated picture book stories.

How to submit

Use the official Bright submissions form. Illustrators should upload a PDF portfolio with at least 10 samples and a website or social media link. Author-illustrators should follow the relevant picture book or Middle Grade instructions and include art samples.

Last checked 21 Sept 2026Via Online Form
Represents

Writers, presenters and journalists (books and related rights)

Looking for

Not poetry, plays, original screenplays, scripts, or children's picture books

How to submit

Email submissions@barbaralevyagency.com or post to Barbara Levy Literary Agency, 64 Greenhill, Hampstead High Street, London NW3 5TZ. Include background and career information, a synopsis, and the first three chapters (approximately 50 pages), double spaced with numbered pages. Note if submitting simultaneously to other agents. Include an email address or stamped addressed envelope if you want materials returned.

Last checked 19 Sept 2026Via Email
Represents

Children's fiction, children's non-fiction, picture books, graphic novels, ya, middle grade, adult sff, adult fantasy

Wants: Children's: fiction/non-fiction/picture books/graphic novels; not currently taking picture-book-text-only creators. adult: imaginative SFF with thoughtful society/humanity themes; cosy or dark; witches/magicians/werewolves/teashops welcomed

Looking for

A middle grade or YA standalone reflecting the experience of growing up in a multicultural or multifaith household. A character-led teen series in which the protagonist pursues an exciting career, in the vein of Geek Girl or Alex Rider. Dark academia for YA or adult with detailed worldbuilding and an emphasis on the dark. Palestinian voices in any age group or genre.

How to submit

Email christabelsubmissions@davidhigham.co.uk with your submission. Note that writers focusing solely on picture book texts are not currently being taken on.

Last checked 18 Sept 2026Via Email
Represents

Picture books, middle grade, graphic novels, young adult, children's, adult projects, illustration, author-illustrators, fantasy, magical realism, contemporary, romance

Wants: Query letter, first ten pages, synopsis, artwork samples, portfolio link

Looking for

Marissa is open to a wide range of children's book authors, illustrators and author-illustrators, and is especially looking for stories by underrepresented and marginalized creators.

How to submit

Submit through Marissa Brown's QueryManager form. Query only one Pippin agent at a time.

Last checked 17 Sept 2026Via Online Form
Represents

Children's authors and illustrators

Looking for

Children's fiction and non-fiction across all ages, with a particular love for picture books, and authors and illustrators across fiction and non-fiction for all ages

How to submit

Email penny@holroydecartey.com with a cover letter. Authors: attach synopsis and full manuscript as separate Word files labelled with title and author name, picture book authors may send up to three finished texts, non-fiction authors should include a CV, three-page proposal, and market analysis. Illustrators: send a portfolio of around 12 images as JPEG or PDF, maximum 5MB, do not send links to websites or file transfer services. Submit to either Claire or Penny, not both.

Last checked 16 Sept 2026Via Email
Represents

Picture books, middle grade, graphic novels, young adult, children's, adult projects, illustration

Wants: Query letter, first chapter, synopsis, picture book manuscript

Looking for

Pippin Properties is devoted primarily to picture books, middle grade, graphic novels and young adult novels, while also representing adult projects on occasion.

How to submit

Email Holly McGhee at ExclusivetoHolly@pippinproperties.com. Holly accepts exclusive queries only and requires six weeks to consider.

Last checked 14 Sept 2026Via Email
Represents

Picture books, author-illustrators, early readers, chapter books, heavily illustrated middle grade, novelty books, comics, jewish culture, bipoc voices, lgbtq and

Wants: Query letter, sample pages

Looking for

Erica represents a selective list of authors and illustrators, especially illustrated books for children. She is interested in author-illustrator picture books, early readers, chapter books, heavily illustrated middle grade, novelty formats, comics, projects focused on Jewish culture and inclusive experience, BIPOC and LGBTQ+ bookmakers, and stories with zany heart and emotional depth.

How to submit

Email Erica Rand Silverman at the spelled-out SLS submissions address listed on the Stimola submissions page. Follow the agency's one-agent-at-a-time rule.

Last checked 12 Sept 2026Via Email
Represents

Children's fiction, children's non-fiction, picture books, chapter books, middle grade, graphic novels

Wants: Query letter, author bio, sample pages

Looking for

She is drawn to stories with a distinct voice, unexpected wit, aggressive pacing, punchy and/or emotionally resonant endings. She is especially eager to see authentic explorations of underrepresented cultures, relationships, and identities.

How to submit

Submit via QueryManager only during the first 15 days of each month. Include query letter, author bio, and sample pages as specified in agency guidelines.

Last checked 9 Sept 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Children's fiction, children's non-fiction, picture books, illustration

Looking for

Author/illustrator proposals for picture books, young fiction and non-fiction, illustration with creative brand-building potential beyond publishing

How to submit

Email claire@holroydecartey.com with a cover letter. Authors: attach synopsis and full manuscript as separate Word files named with title and author name. Picture book authors: up to three finished texts. Non-fiction authors: CV, three-page proposal, and market analysis. Illustrators: portfolio of around a dozen images as JPEG or PDF up to 5MB. Do not submit to both agents.

Last checked 9 Sept 2026Via Email
Represents

Picture books, middle grade, chapter books, illustration

Wants: Query letter, author bio, sample pages, portfolio link

Looking for

Middle grade in all genres with children finding their space in their world, especially strong-willed underdogs or quirky, misunderstood, or overlooked children. Picture books that are funny and character-driven, beautifully written, or milestone moments with emotional endings. Commercial action-packed chapter book series for emerging readers.

How to submit

Query via QueryManager with query letter, author bio, contact information, and sample pages. For picture book texts, must submit 3 completed texts and query only on the 1st day of each month. For illustrators, include portfolio link.

Last checked 9 Sept 2026Via QueryManager
Represents

Action or adventure, chapter book, diversity, funny, graphic novels, illustrated fiction, underrepresented voices, picture book, non-fiction

Wants: Cover letter, synopsis, first 3 chapters or 20 pages, proposal for non-fiction

Looking for

Lorna is looking for illustration-led children's books including board books, picture books, chapter books, highly illustrated fiction, graphic novels and non-fiction.

How to submit

Email Lorna directly at lorna@darleyanderson.com. For novels, send the first three chapters or first twenty pages plus a one-page synopsis. Picture book writers may send up to three full texts. Non-fiction submissions should include a proposal, full chapter list and up to three sample chapters.

Last checked 7 Sept 2026Via Email
Represents

Literary fiction, commercial fiction, illustrated non-fiction, serious non-fiction

Looking for

Novels across the literary-commercial scale and non-fiction from highly illustrated to serious non-fiction, with diversity within the list as an ever-present priority. Does not represent scriptwriting, high fantasy, or, in non-fiction, business, self-help or parenting books. Represents poetry and children's books (including MG and YA) only where she already represents the author.

How to submit

Email submissions@philippasitters.co.uk with a cover letter in the email body. For fiction, attach the first 30 pages (double spaced) and a 1-2 page synopsis (single spaced) as Word documents or PDFs. For non-fiction, attach a proposal with a detailed chapter outline and up to three sample chapters (double spaced), information on target market and comparable titles is helpful but not required.

Last checked 6 Sept 2026Via Email

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